Five things you need to know about Consumer Directed Care

If you’re already navigating the aged care system, you’ll know that there have been some major changes to the way the government is funding home care. With the introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC), there are five things that are most important to understand so you feel in control and can benefit from the home care funding system.

CDC empowers consumers to have much more control and choice over the services they’re receiving. This means, if you need care, you can have a say in the planning and approach to that care. In working with your chosen care provider, you’ll be able to agree on the level of involvement you’ll have in managing your care package – for either yourself or for your loved one.

1. Home Care Packages are 100% portable

Unlike before CDC was introduced, now you can choose who you want to deliver your care. If this means moving to a new provider, you are easily able to do so under this approach because the power and control is in your hands.

2. Providers do not own the packages or dollars, the individual does

With CDC, you’re in control of your funding and the help you want, so you can use a number of different approved providers. This is different to before, when providers used to be allocated certain packages by the government and you’d have to find a provider that matched your own level of assessment for care.

3. You can’t lose a package once you are eligible and it has been allocated to you

There’s no risk of losing your package if you decide to change care providers. This means that once you’ve been assessed, allocated and accepted a home care package, it’s yours to use so that you get the care you want and deserve.

4. There is no financial penalty for changing providers

With CDC, a provider can only charge an exit fee if you have surplus funds in your package and if an exit fee is stated in your Home Care agreement. If you are considering changing providers, check your agreement first and then ask for a statement of your funds.

5. Funding and choice are one part of the solution

Anyone who has experienced the aged care system before will know that it often feels daunting and tricky to navigate. With the change to funding, you’re more in control. The hope is that these changes will allow modern models of care and innovation from providers like Five Good Friends to give you the best care you need as you (or your loved ones) head into their later years.

For more information on what CDC means for your loved ones, listen to an interview with co-founder of Five Good Friends, Simon Lockyer, on ABC Breakfast.

To find out how else you can benefit from CDC, you can read more from Apia Good Life here

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